THE
ONTEFIORE CENTENARY.
LONDON :
DARLING AND SON, MINER VA STEAM PRINTING OFFICE,
31, EASTCHEAP, E.G.
1885.
THE
MONTEFIORE CENTENARY.
LON DON :
?>ARLiNG AND SON, MlNERVA STEAM PRINTING
31, EASTCHEAP, E.G.
1885-,
THE MONTEFIORE CENTENARY.
BEVIS MARKS SYNAGOGUE.
(From u Jewish World")
Last Sunday was a proud day for the Spanish and
Portuguese Congregation at Bevis Marks. Its ancient
glories lived again in the Montefiore Centenary Cele-
bration. Never has the synagogue presented a more
brilliant appearance, and never again, probably, will
it fall to its lot to enact the role of the Cathedral
Synagogue of Great Britain. Since the days when
Bevis Marks ruled the London Jewry a wondrous
change has come over the organisation of the com-
munity. The remarkable progress of the German
Synagogues has left the Spanish congregation far
behind, and to-day it is almost stranded with its
memories. But there is one thing of which neither
time nor communal transformations can rob it, and
that is its connection with Moses Montefiore. Next
Tuesday it will be exactly eighty years that he has
been a member of the congregation. A stripling of
twenty, he was elected a Yahid on the same day that
Raphael Meldola was chosen Chacham ; when the
2116381
grandfather of the present Samudas was Partiass of
the synagogue, and the maternal grandfather of the
late Earl of Beaconsfield was president of the Board
of Deputies. But it is not only because he is the
senior member of the congregation that he is endeared
to it. He has served it well in every honorary office,
from that of " Parnass of the Wax " to that of
" Parnass Presidente." Within the walls of the
synagogue he has shown an ^unique example of piety
and communal activity to three generations of its
members, and in its vestry room the plans were laid
for all his humanitarian missions. The congregation
naturally feels that the career of Sir Moses Montefi ore
is a portion of its own history ; it is probably that
portion which will keep its memory longest green.
The old synagogue presented an extremely pic-
turesque appearance last Sunday. A covered way
composed of drapery of red and yellow — the Spanish
colours — erected and lighted by Messrs. Defries, and
decorated with evergreens, filled the courtyard. The
interior was tastefully ornamented with flowers, and
lighted with extra brackets by Mr. W. Gardiner,
of Queen's Road, Bayswater. Garlands of flowers
spanned the spaces between the columns and de-
pended from the magnificent chandeliers. Clusters
covered the front of the ark and the approaches to
the reading desk, and the vacant Chacham/s stall was
a veritable garden of flowering plants and fern palms.
The seat belonging to Sir Moses Montefiore was gaily
decorated with red cloth and white lace, and was-
occupied by a handsome basket filled with red and
gold blossoms. In the galleries were more flowers,
and each lady as she entered was presented with a
red and yellow bouquet, attached to which were
white satin ribbons inscribed in gilt letters with the
venerable Baronet's motto, " Think and Thank," and
the date of his birth, " 8th of Heshvan, 5645—1884."
The happy idea of a "floral decoration, which has never
before been seen in]fBevis Marks, originated, we
understand, with the [President of "the congregation,
Mr. H. Guedalla, who, in carrying it out, was
efficiently assisted by a committee of taste composed
of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Castello, Mrs. A. Montefiore
Sebag, and Mrs. Spielman.
Crowds filled all the approaches to the synagogue
from an early hour. Shortly after three o'clock the
building began to fill, and very soon the whole
available space was occupied by a distinguished com-
pany. Among those present were the Lord Mayor,
M.P.; Sir Nathaniel de Rothschild, Bart., M.P.; Sir
Saul Samuel, K.C.M.G.; Baron H. de Worms, M.P.;
Mr. Serjeant Simon, M.I'., and Mr. 0. J. Simon ; Mr.
Sheriff Phillips and Chaplain ; Sir Edward Watkin,
M.P.; Mr. A. Cohen, Q.C., M.P.; Mr. Alderman
Isaacs; Messrs. S. Montagu, Claude Montefiore, B.A.,
J. B. Montefiore, F. Montefiore, A. J. Montefiore, H.
Guedella, J. fcebag, A. M. Sebag, M. Castello, J. N.
Castello, L. L. Cohen, B. L. Cohen, H. L. Cohen,
A. L. Cohen, N. L. Cohen, M. N. Adler, M.A.; G.
Lindo, A. Lindo, G. Brandon, L Allatini, &c., &c.
An efficient body of stewards directed the visitors
to their seats. In the body of the synagogue the
following gentlemen acted in this capacity: — Messrs.
E. A. Lindo, W. P. Paiba, A. L. Henry, E. Pinto,
H. Pinto, and J. Hassan; in the galleries, Messrs.
J. Benoliel, M. A. N. Lindo, C. De Pass, B. Halford,
L, Pinto, and P. M. Castello.
Precisely at* half-past four the service commenced
with afternoon prayers, which were read by the Rev.
J. Piperno, assisted by the combined choirs of the
Bevis Marks and Bryanstone Street synagogues,
under the direction of Mr. E. R. Jessurun. Then
followed the presentation of a Sepher by Mr. Joseph
de Castro, in memory of his daughter, the late Mrs.
Florence Deborah Abecassis. The Ark was opened
by Mr. J. Sebag, when in a prominent position were
noted two interesting Sepharim, connected with the
Montefiore family — one presented to the synagogue
many years ago by Sir Moses' grandfather, Moses
Vita Montefiore, and the other a gift from his grand-
mother, the beautiful Ester Hannah Montefiore. The
Sepher given by Mr. de Castro is an ancient scroll
which has been in the possession of his family 165
years. It bears the date 5480, and an inscription on
one of the handles states that it was presented to Mr.
de Castro in the year 5607 by his father, Mr. Hananel
de Castro. It was carried by the Rev. Dr. H. Adler,
who was followed by the Parnassin in procession.
The presentation was received by a magnificent
jBarueh Haba sung with splendid effect by M. Jules
Diaz de Soria, of Bordeaux. This was one of the
special features of the service, and it was a great suc-
cess. M. de Soria is well-known in West-end salons.
Last season he sang at an entertainment given by the
Duke of Westminster, and at Madame Christine
Nilson's benefit, at Prince's Hall, Piccadilly. He is
a Member of the firm Perpignan et De Soria, and a
son of the late Chazan of Bordeaux. He crossed the
Channel last week expressly to attend the Bevis
Marks Synagogue, at the invitation of Mr. H.
Guedalla and Mr. J. N. Castello. At the conclusion
of the " Baruch Haba" — which it should be men-
tioned is, in its musical arrangement, the composition
of M. de Soria's partner, M. Perpignan — the Chief
Rabbi's special service of Prayer and Thanksgiving
was read, and the Rev. Dr. Hermann Adler delivered
the following sermon : —
11 And it came to pass when Moses held up his hand that Israel prevailed." —
Ex, xvii. part of llth verse.
My dear Brethren, — There is one noteworthy circumstance
which invests the Service of Thanksgiving held this evening with
a great, I might almost term it, an historic significance. Divine
worship has before time been held to celebrate the jubilee of men
who have deserved well of Israel ; and therefore it is in full accord
with precedent that we should assemble in this hallowed, venerated
structure to give thanks unto the Lord for the length of days He
has vouchsafed unto the oldest and most honoured member of
this congregation. Nor is it a matter for wonder that your sister
communities, both here and in the provinces, should unite in the
religious celebration of the centenary of one whom we all know,
whom we all admire. But I claim it as an event without parallel
in the annals of Judaism that this same festival service is being
held simultaneously, the same psalms being sung, the same prayers
being offered up, not merely in cities far off which own the sway
of our gracious Queen, but in the greater number of Hebrew
congregations throughout the world. The order of service has
been reproduced in almost every one of the ninety Jewish news-
papers published on the globe. Information has reached me from
obscure towns in Posen, in Russia, and in Galicia, the names of
which are not to be found in the Gazetteer, that the eighth of
Heshvan is not there forgotten. In free America the celebration
will be held in gorgeous temples and in the humblest shrines, at
which civic officials and prominent clergy of all denominations will
attend. And we know, indeed, how this centenary has been
welcomed, not only in our own circles, but by vast sections of our
fellow-men of other creeds and other nationalities.
Let us inquire into the motives that have prompted such
an unanimity of congratulation, that have commanded such
a concurrence of sympathy. There is, of course, something
striking in the thought that a brother-man should have realized
in its fulness the wish implied in our quaint Hebraic greeting,
crott? nsn 137 " Mayest thou live to a hundred years ; " that,
although not spared the infirmities incident to extreme old age,
his vital force has been such that the words spoken of his great
namesake may be fitly applied to him, 13*9 nnro sb " His eye
is not dim." I saw him a few weeks ago, and it was a joy to hear
his voice still sonorous, to note his sallies of playful wit and flashes
of genial wisdom, aye, and gleams of the olden enthusiasm. But
the vigour with which he bears the burden of a century does not
suffice to account for the deep and widespread interest that was
aroused last year when he entered, that is renewed this year when
he completes, the hundredth year of his life. The love and
veneration which centre in the name of Sir Moses Montefiore are
due, it seems to me to the fact that he realises within himself
some of the best and noblest traits of the true Israelite ; that
without derogating from the reverence due to him of whom
the words were first spoken, we may apply to him our text,
bsntzr -om TP nu;^ ir-p ->ir*o mm " And it came to pass
that when Moses held up his hand that Israel prevailed."
The context of these words is familiar to you all. When Israel
was journeying through the desert, Amalek attacked the weak
and inoffensive wanderers — Amalek that has from that time forth
been viewed as a type of intolerance, religious hatred, and racial
antipathy. Joshua is sent forth to fight. Moses ascends the
hill, and from early morn to sundown he stands there with uplifted
hands. And our Doctors of the Mishnah, make the pregnant
comment : —
i-mtp is nnnbn mans ntPE be? v-r SDI
s "pbroD b?otrr vna? IDT bDttf .-fb -tE'ib sbs
csi v~)22nn vn c^ana? crrssb cnb ns ]"-T:isa?Eti
: rbai: vn isb
" Was it in the power of Moses, as he stood there, far off from
the conflict, to cause victory and stay defeat ? Yes. For, as he
pointed his hand upwards, he taught Israel that, if they would
look up to their sure Defence, if they would humble their hearts-
before their Father who is in heaven, they would prevail ; if not,
they would fall ignotniniously before their foemen." (Rosh
Hashana, c. iii. § 8).
The career of our centenarian is a not unworthy realisation of
the lofty thought enshrined in these words. Men have pro-
verbially short memories. Events that happened but forty-four
years ago seem relegated into the limbo of the remote past. It
is one of the benefits of commemorations such as these that they
conjure up bygone events and make them live again. We seem
to feel anew the thrill of horror which vibrated through Western
Europe when the tidings came of the outrages committed against
the Jews of Damascus, upon whom a foul charge had been flung.
How irresistible the pathos with which the wan faces of the
sufferers pleaded, who had been tortured with every refinement
of cruelty, who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
bound in affliction and in iron. And the anxious question was
pressed forth from every sympathising heart : ^m nbltfS ^D ntf
•nb -jb^ " Whom shall I send, and who will go for us 1 " And
the answer came with no uncertain sound : Mnba? ":an " Here
am I ; send me ! "
And thus, whatever was the evil that had befallen his kindred,
when the famine-stricken indwellers of the Holy Land cried,
" Give us bread, for the money faileth ; " and when the Jews o£
10
Hussia were sorely perplexed, because the word of the ruler had
gone forth that they should be driven from their homesteads ;
and when the heartbroken citizen of Bologna wept in his presence
because of the child that had been stolen from his mother's lap ;
and again, when the plaint came from Morocco, " Thy brethren
are stricken unto death for no violence in their hands " — then
and many a time did he go forth to plead, with that earnestness
which is the truest eloquence, with that conviction of the
righteousness of his cause which is the surest warranty of
success.
We have heard it asked, whence came it that one not dowered
with the gift of tongues, nor trained in any school of diplomacy,
could hold his own against the ablest statesmen, that he could
plead with a voice that never faltered before the mightiest
potentates of earth ? He has revealed the secret to his inti-
mate friends. He has oftimes said : " I have never approached
these audiences without ejaculating the prayer from the depth
of my heart, ' 0 God, be Thou with my lips ! ' ' And having
breathed forth this passionate supplication to the King of kings,
he stood fearlessly before the rulers of earth. He delivered his
message to them, and was not ashamed. He is essentially a
prayerful man. I read as a lad, with deep emotion, the pathetic
meditations inscribed in his prayer-book, composed by him on
the eve and during the progress of some eventful mission. And
thus it came to pass, that, as he lifted his hand heavenwards
Israel prevailed, and that, at each journey he undertook, some
cruel law was abolished in deference to him, and that, as he went
forth, with no protection save the dignity of his silver hairs,
half-savage countries submitted themselves to his spirit of com-
passion, and learned justice and mercy from his lips. And even
when, despite his most strenuous efforts, he did not attain all
that was desired, he yet succeeded in wiping out some grievous
prejudice, silenced some cruel slander, taught the ignorant mul-
titude a better conception of his religion and his race, so that
" Amalek was discomfited " and " Israel prevailed."
But this wealth of compassion for his kindred does not suffice
to account for the enthusiasm with which the name of Sir
Moses Montefiore is greeted. From the time of Tacitus
11
downwards the charge has been levelled at us : " misericordia
in promptu. ; sed adversus omnes alios hostile odium," whilst
ready enough to pity their own kind, towards all others
they cherish bitter hatred." Who that has heard his name
dare repeat this venomous calumny ? And yet if lie alone
of all our number were free from such narrow exclusiveness,
we should have but poor cause for rejoicing and congratulation.
But we are all proud of him because he has been simply one of the
noblest and best embodiments of the feelings which actuate us all.
I do not claim it as a merit on the part of the patriarchal baronet
that he is " steeped to the very lips " in loyalty ; that he is filled
with chivalrous devotion to the Throne ; that the prosperity of
our country is dear to his heart ; for this is the characteristic of
every English Jew. I do not regard it has worthy of special
commendation that he shows a tender care for the poor who dwell
around him, for so does every British squire. But his sympathies
are not confined to the claims of his country, nor are his affections
determined by his race and faith. From whatever quarter the
cry of distress arises, he is ready to help and advise. When he
heard that the Syrian Christians were hardly bestead by the
Druses of the Lebanon, he was the first to devise prompt measures
for their relief. Nor did he evince less sympathy for the stricken
Moslem soldiery during the Russo-Turkish war. Ay, throughout
his career his benevolence has been like the cruse of oil in the
widow's hand, which has flowed forth unceasingly and without
stint as long as there have been vessels to be filled. And thus it
has come to pass that the name of Sir Moses Montefiore has
become a household word — a name wherewith to charm away
prejudices, old and new. It is not our poor only who love to hang
his picture on their walls ; not merely in the Kentish port where
he loves to dwell is his name blessed by the humblest fisherman ;
not merely in gilded drawing-rooms is that stately figure with the
high bearing of the true English gentleman, with the courtliness
of an antique world, known and honoured ; not merely in the
Harat el Yahoud, the quarter in Jerusalem where our brethren
dwell ; not merely in remote Russian villages, in squalid Moroccan
ghettoes, is his name revered. But even the Bedouin of the
desert, the camel-driver in Egypt, the water-carrier who fills his
12
goat-skin at the pool of Gihon — they have all heard, they all
mention with respect, the name of the good, the great-hearted
Jew of Frangistan. It is this universality of respect, this con-
currence of regard, which invests this evening's celebration with
its significance, ay, its solemnity.
Shall this commemoration be allowed to pass away without any
endeavour to perpetuate the remembrance of him in whose honour
it has taken place ? We hear much concerning testimonials which
are established, and modes of celebration that have been proposed
in other countries. A great conclave of earnest men will meet
to-morrow on the confines of Russia to deliberate upon the best
means of furthering the colonisation of Palestine in his honour.
In the United States a Montefiore Home for Incurables will be
inaugurated, a Montefiore Hospital Ward opened, a Montefiore
Professorship endowed. A specimen of the water melons, grapes,
and peaches grown on the Montefiore Colony has been sent him
as a birthday gift. Shall the day be allowed to pass away here
in England unremembered — unrecorded ? It is true that the
centenarian has, with characteristic modesty, deprecated the
foundation of any outward memorial. But this I may assert
with confidence, that the token of regard most precious in his
eyes will be the testimony that he has not lived in vain — the
assurance that the lessons of his life will inspire his contemporaries
and inform generations yet unborn. We look around us and
note with alarm that there are but too many of our young men
who hold themselves aloof from the concerns of the community,
its charitable and educational work ; who have no heart for the
sufferings of their brethren in other lands, and who deem it
a mark of enlightenment to put aside, with supercilious disdain,
every right and precept which distinguishes the Jew from
his fellow-countrymen in social walks of life. If we speak to
them of the example of Abraham and Daniel, and Judas the
Maccabee, our monitions would but fall upon heedless ears.
But we may point to the life-lesson drawn from a man
of the time. Is not a Montefiore esteemed the more because
he is not ashamed to declare and manifest before the world
his allegiance to his faith ? He is fond of declaring that
for the last seventy-two years since he entered the holy
estate of matrimony his Sabbath lamp has ever been kindled -r
13
whether tossing on the wave of the ocean or encamped in the
Syrian desert — during her lifetime by his faithful wife, and when
site was taken from him by his hand, — a type of the flame of
enthusiasm which has ever burnt brightly in the hearts of the
heroic couple. Wherever they moved, in the courts of kings, or
in the fe'stal assemblage of nobles, or in civic banqueting halls,
they proclaimed themselves Hebrews, they feared not to be seen
abstaining from food which our law has forbidden. And in very
truth they were only esteemed the more for this consistency.
Oh, that we all, men and women, young and old) would grasp
the best and noblest characteristics of the life we honour this day;
that, in the apt words of the leading journal in this land, we may
determine to show by our life, that "fervent Judaism and patri-
otic citizenship are absolutely consistent with one another." This
is the aim and purpose of the prayer we are about to offer up,
That we may learn the true purpose of life :
" Life's but a means unto an end, that end —
Beginning, mean, and end to all things— God. "§
* Histories V.c,, II. § Bailey's " Festus."
We thank the Lord for all the mercy and goodness He has
dealt unto His servant during the century, that now has ended,
of a happy and useful life. We supplicate Him to fill our hearts
with a steadfast desire to tread in the footsteps of those who were
chosen of Him, that we may labour in His cause, quickened by
the love of Him and the love of our fellow-men. If we lift up
our hearts to our Father in Heaven with this earnest and devout
resolve, then we may hope that He will seal our supplication
with His own almighty > His own omnific Amen !
The remainder of the special service was read by the
Rev. D. Piza, who was complimented by Dr, Alder
on his impressive delivery. The proceedings con-
cluded with evening prayer, chanted by the Rev. S. J.
Roco. Mr. B. Hollander presided at the harmonium
which was used during the special service*
14
BANQUET AT TttE " CRITERION."
(From " Jewish Ohronicle")
On Sunday evening last, Mr. Joseph Sebag, Presi-
dent of the Board of Elders of the Spanish and
Portuguese Synagogue, entertained the Elders and a
few private friends at a banquet at the " Criterion,"
Piccadilly. There were present : Rev. Dr. H. Adler,
Baron H. de Worms, M P., Sir Edward Watkin, M.P.,
Sir Saul Samuel, K.C.M.G., Mr. Sheriff Phillips, Mr.
Arthur Cohen, Q.C., M.P., Dr. A. Asher, Dr. H.
Behrend, Dr. Woodman, M. de Soria, Messrs. L
Allatina, M. de Costa Andrade, E. Arbib, M. Belishar
M. Benoliel, G. S. Brandon, S. N. Carvalho, M. Cas-
tello, A. L. Cohen, B. L. Cohen, H. L. Cohen, L. L.
Cohen, N. L. Cohen, Israel Davis, R. Davies, David
de Pass, Elias de Pass, Lewis Emanuel, S. Ezekiel,
P. B. Goldsmith, H. GuedaUa, F. B. Halford, B. Hay-
man, M. de J. Levy, R. Lewis, E. H. Lindo, G. Lindo,
I. H. Lindo, Philip Magnus, A. I. Montefiore, Jacob
Montefiore, A. H. Moses, Asher I. Myers, I. Pariente,
H. Pinto, Arthur Montefiore Sebag, J. Sebag, I.
Seligman, I. Spielman.
Grace having been said by the Rev. D. H. Adler,
Mr. JOSEPH SEBAG, who was greeted with loud
cheers, rose and said : I know it is in accordance with
the feelings and wishes of my venerable relative, in
15
whose honour we have just met in the grand old
synagogue in Bevis Marks, and I am sure it is also in
accordance with your own feelings that I should pro-
pose, as I have now the honour to do, the health of
her most Gracious Majesty, the Queen. Sir Moses
has been intimately identified with many of the early
incidents of her Majesty's reign. Even before her
accession to the throne, I well remember, as a boy at
East Cliff, the excitement that was caused by the
polishing up the key that was enwrapped in the
handsomest mazarine blue ribbon that the town of
Ramsgate could supply, which key was presented by
Sir Moses to her late Royal Highness, the Duchess of
Kent, who, with her royal daughter, the Princess
Victoria, was occupying a very moderate sized house
in Ramsgate, to enable them to walk in the grounds
of East Cliff Lodge, of which they daily availed them-
selves. Sir Moses was Sheriff-Elect when her Majesty
ascended the throne, and on the occasion of her first
visit to the City was discharging the duties of Sheriff,
which office is now discharged by my excellent friend
on my left (Mr. Sheriff Phillips), shall I say by
inheritance ? At the coronation of the Queen, Sir
Moses, with his colleague and the Lord Mayor, assisted
officially at that auspicious ceremony. Among the
many millions of her Majesty's subjects none I am
sure, are more loyal or affectionately devoted to her
person and dynasty than the venerable Baronet who
this evening has completed his hundredth year. In
this respect I am sure we all emulate his excellent
^example ; for have we not seen during her beneficent
i-eign all the disabilities disappear one by one from
the Statute Book, and now with scarcely an exception
there is no office of dignity or emolument from which
any qualified subject of Her Majesty is debarred by
reason of his religious belief. This impresses on us
the duty, as I know we are, of being loyal and devoted
subjects of the Crown, good and useful citizens. I
am sure you will all have participated with me in the
gratification I experienced on Friday last in reading a
leading article in the leading journal, in which it was
clearly and generously demonstrated that the profes-
sion of the Jewish faith, aye, of fervent Judaism, is
entirely compatible with every endowment of patriotic
citizenship. I now give you the toast of " Her
Majesty the Queen."
Baron HENRY DE WORMS proposed the toast of
the evening, " The Health of Sir Moses Montefiore."
After explaining that he had been deputed by the
Chairman to propose the toast, because through his
relationship to Sir Moses Montefiore, the Chairman
thought it better that someone else should undertake
the task, Baron Henry said : Gentlemen, we are here
assembled to-night to celebrate not only an event in
the annals of men generally — for it is vouchsafed to
few to attain the patriarchal age of one hundred years
— but also to pay a tribute to one whose exceptionally
long life has been but one continuous record of good
and great deeds. (Cheers.) A hundred years ago I
Few whom I have the honour^ of addressing this
17
evening can realise, except as a matter of history,
what a hundred years ago really means. When the
illustrious man whose centenary we are here this
evening to commemorate, was born, but twenty-four
years had passed from the accession of George the
Third. France was but in the throes of that terrible
political convulsion which five years after his birth
culminated in the most terrible revolution on record,
which wrecked a throne and a dynasty, and deluged
the country with the blood of the noblest and the
fairest. To bring the conception of a hundred years
ago still more vividly before an English audience, I
must remind you that when Sir Moses Montefiore was
born, the first administration of the Younger Pitt was
but three months old ; and Sir Moses Montefiore was
a man of 22 when Fox was for the first time Foreign
Secretary. When he was but entering upon the prime
of life, Napoleon the First entered upon that great
course of reformation as well as of conquest, which
has handed down his name to posterity as one of the
greatest men of the age. The connection of the name
of Napoleon the First with the immediate history of
the one to whom we are here to do honour, is nearer
than may be at first apparent to those whom I have
the honour of addressing. Napoleon the First was
not alone a despotic conqueror ; but he was also one
of the first potentates who recognised the principle
that in order to consolidate empires and promote the
well-being of men, it is necessary that disabilities
should be swept away, and that no inequality should
c
18
exist by reason of a difference of creed. ( Hear, hear.)
He it was who, on his advent to power, decreed that
every man was equal before the law ; he it was who
swept av ay the last remnant of mediaeval barbarism
by decreeing the abolition of the Ghetto. His work
consisting and destroying once and for ever those
barriers which existed in most of the great towns of
Europe, penning up the Jewish population as if they
were unclean things, and consigning them to a per-
petual isolation which could have the only result of
separating them morally as well as physically from
their fellow-creatures, and perpetuating the reign of
prejudice and of bigotry. (Hear, hear.) Sir Moses
Montefiore followed up the example set him by the
First Napoleon. To him was not decreed the powtr
of destroying barriers ; but his great life was devoted
to levelling differences, to effacing the moral ghetto,
and, by raising the condition of his coreligionists, to
removing the veil of prejudice, and to presenting to
the world the Jews in their real good aspect of
an industrious, intelligent, and God-fearing race.
(Cheers.) His mode of action was, as I have said, by
endeavouring to improve their condition ; but it did
not cease there. He felt that, although, in many
countries the feelings of charity, and the light of
civilisation had done much to dispel the dark clouds
of prejudice and persecution, there were others, where
alas ! it had been impossible to permeate the hearts of
the rulers of the people with that spirit of even-handed
justice which should have for its immediate effect
19
the placing of all men on an equality without distinc-
tion of creed. What course, then, did he adopt?
The course of appeal, not of truculent supplication,
but that of stating facts and using in its most legiti-
mate manner the irresistible power of public opinion;
that public feeling which has not proved unavailing in
France, in Germany, in Austria, and even in our own
country, and which, although its might is to some
extent resisted in Russia and Roumania, will yet
force the closed doors of those countries, and inevi-
tably, sooner or later, bring about that consummation
to accomplish which his useful life has been devoted.
(Cheers.) Already in the year 1827 Sir Moses
Montefiore took his first journey to Jerusalem,
and, accompanied by his wife, did great and good
work among the Jewish population there. Thirteen
years later, in 1840, when Damascus was the
scene of the most terrible outrages and fearful
massacres, Sir Moses Montefiore was found at the
post of danger, knowing no other consideration than
the love of his people and the call of duty. (Cheers.)
And again when he had already passed that span of
life allotted by Holy Writ to man — as late as 1864 —
we find him again braving risks, dangers and fatigue
and pleading eloquently in the cause of oppressed
Judaism in Morocco. (Hear, hear.) Gentlemen, a
Greek philosopher and poet (Theognis) once truly
said : "It is easy to live an ordinary life without
doing much good or without having to reproach
oneself with much harm ; but it is in overcoming
20
difficulties that glory is to be gained." No truer
words were ever uttered by a sage : no words are
more thoroughly applicable to the unblemished life of
the one whose centenary we are here this evening to
celebrate. (Cheers.) To say of a man that he has done
no wrong is great but negative praise ; to say of a
man that he has done nothing but good is a far higher
meed of adulation, and one to which few men can
aspire. I am justified by the record of that long life
in applying these words to Sir Moses Montefiore.
(Hear, hear.) Not content with the mere passive
condition of leading a blameless life, his energies have
been unceasingly devoted to the active work of good,
and with a great and grand result. Prejudice is the
inevitable outcome of ignorance. The bigotry which
for ages has directed persecution against the Jews
arose not so much from an innate spirit of cruelty or
a love of oppression, as from an ignorance and per-
version of facts connected alike with their past history
and with their immediate lives, which led the ignorant
mob to conceive charges which even to this day are
not extinct, and which, once firmly rooted in the
popular mind, found vent in outbreaks of fanatical
and senseless violence. It was the work of Sir Moses
Montefiore to prove, not only by his own example,
but by his powers of persuasion and by the evidence
of truth, that the chosen people of God, while main-
taining intact those great traditions by the observance
of which they have been able to hand down for ages
their race in purity, and in the observance of their
21
creed, have never ceased to be good, loyal and useful
citizens of the land of their birth and adoption.
Gentlemen, the subject is so vast, that the good deeds
of a century cannot be recounted in the short space
allotted to a speaker. Sir Moses Montefiore's name
will live not only in the grateful recollections of the
people he haa so nobly served ; it will live inscribed
in the book of gold of history. (Cheers.) From the
furthermost corners of the earth tributes of affection
have come to him from men and from communities of
varied creeds ; from the poor, whose cause he has so
eloquently pleaded, and who have derived so much
from his open-handed bounty ; from sovereigns who
recognise that the highest title to nobility does not
always consist in the unstained heraldic blazon or in
the record of deeds of daring done in defence of one's
country, but may be equalled, aye, and even surpassed,
by the unobtrusive acts of pure charity, by the exercise
of those virtues which "make the whole world kin,"
and which entitle the name of Sir Moses Montefiore
to a place in the Walhalla of great and good men who
have passed a long and useful life in the defence of
the oppressed and in the succour of the unfortunate.
(Loud and prolonged cheers).
Mr. Sebag read the following telegram from Sir
Moses : " Ramsgate. — My dear Jeseph, I should have
been delighted to have been one of your guests to-day.
I beg you will assure all your good friends around you
of my appreciation of their wishes towards me, all of
which I heartily reciprocate. May God bless you and
yours and your friends."
22
Mr. J. N. CASTELLO, in proposing the health of the
Rev. Dr. Hermann Adler, Delegate Chief Rabbi, said
that as an Elder of the Spanish and Portuguese
Congregation he was glad of the opportunity of
publicly testifying to the courtesy which he and his
colleagues had received from Dr. Adler during the
preparation for the festival of that day, and that much
of its success was due to the interest displayed by his
reverend father. He should not be expressing the
feeling of his audience did he not express the one
regret which was felt at the absence of the Chief Rabbi
from their festive gathering ; but it was a source of
gratification to know, that in spite of his four score
and three years, he was able to proceed from his house
to the synagogue at Brighton in order personally to
offer up the beautiful prayer composed for that day's
service. He hoped that by the grace of God they
would be spared to celebrate the centenary of the
Rev. the Chief Rabbi. Baron de Worms had men-
tioned the fact that it was during the life of Sir Moses
that most of the religious disabilities of Jews were
removed. He was pleased to say that Dr. Hermann
Adler was one of the first to leap the broken dovra
barriers, and make for himself and the community a
name at the London University which would not soon
be forgotten. He had exemplified in his person that
it was possible to distinguish oneself at the University
and at the same time be a rabbi of the old school.
The Rev. Dr. HERMANN ADLER, in acknowledging
the toast, said : When I last dined here, my friend.
Mr. Mundella, related to me a good anecdote of a
Frenchman, who was once invited to a banquet and
inquired who were the cadaverous-looking gentlemen
at the head of the table. The answer was given him
that they were the persons who were expected to
speak at the conclusion of the dinner. It has been
my duty to deliver an address before this festive
gathering. I have to speak to you again, and I should
indeed look pallid were it not for the lavish hospitality
which we have all enjoyed at the hands of our host.
Mr. Castello has been good enough to speak in eulo-
gistic terms of the discourse which it was my privilege
to deliver in your venerable synagogue. I may be
permitted to say that there was one passage which I
feel must have given my audience unqualified satis-
faction— the passage from the pulpit back to my seat.
(Laughter. — "No! No!" — Mr. ARTHUR COHEN —
" Withdraw.") — I am not a member of the House of
Commons, and am not, therefore, in the habit of
withdrawing any statements I make. All that I may
claim for my humble words is that the commemoration
which prompted them was in truth an inspiring one.
When the Chief Rabbi first considered the propriety
of recommending the celebration, he feared that the
suggestion might perhaps be prompted by considera-
tions of the intimate friendship which for a period of
forty years he has entertained for the venerable
Baronet. For, from the very first moment that my
father set foot on the white cliffs of hospitable Albion,
Sir Moses Montefiore has ever evinced the most
24
genuine and sincere friendship — a friendship which
subsists vividly to this day. But when we reviewed
the whole life and actions of the centenarian, we re-
membered that Graetz, the eminent historian, who
cannot be charged with undue partiality, recommended
in his great work that a Purim should be instituted
annually to commemorate the release of the unhappy
prisoners at Damascus and the vindication of their
innocence. We likewise remembered that after Sir
Moses had been in Morocco, many of the Rabbis of
the Continent, prominent for their learning, suggested
that henceforth the name of Sir Moses Montefiore
should be included in every prayer of Kaddish, as had
been aforetime with the case of Moses Maimonides.
It was a source of gratification to find that the propo-
sition of the Chief Rabbi, to hold a thanksgiving
service, commended itself to the sound common sense
of the community at large. We all know how, thanks
to the unwearied exertions of the managers of your
synagogue, the service at Bevis Marks was of so
profoundly interesting a character, we all rejoiced to
hear those beautiful melodies which, though of strictly
Sephardic origin, belong to the common treasury of
Hebrew song. Of this, I feel sure, that the service
of this day will prove an additional incentive and
stimulus to leaders of your congregation to labour
with still greater zeal for its best and highest interests.
(Cheers.)
Mr. SEBAG proposed in French the health of M.
de Soria, who responded.
25
Mr. ARTHUR COHEN, Q.C., M.P., in proposing the*
next toast said : I have been requested to propose as
a toast, " Prosperity to the Spanish and Portuguese
Congregation of British Jews." I am sensible of the
compliment which has been paid to me, and I proceed
with pleasure to discharge the duty, for as I am not
a member of that congregation, I shall be able to
speak about its history and merits with greater free-
dom and frankness than anyone could who belongs
to it. Gentlemen, the time was when a sharp line
was drawn between the two congregations — the
German and the Spanish and Portuguese — and if
reports I have heard are true, jealousy and envy pre-
vailed to a considerable extent between the two con-
gregations, which were often the cause of dissensions
and disputes. But now times have completely
changed. Constant communication with one another
and association in common eiforts have entirely
removed all prejudices, and the effects of intermarriage
and kinship have been to bind indissolubly together
two congregations already connected with the ties of
a common religion and a common race. Gentlemen,
although I belong to the German congregation — and
am not a little proud of my descent on my father's
side, including, as I can, among my ancestors Mr.
Levi Cohen who was, I believe, generally esteemed
throughout the community as one of the most
generous and noble-hearted of men, and who was
also, you will remember, father of Lady Montefiore —
I say, proud as I am of my German descent, still I
26
am free to admit, and I can with pleasure admit, on
account of my descent on my mother's side, that the
history of the Spanish and Portuguese congregations
is far more interesting than that of the German con-
gregation. The former settled in England so far
back as the time of Oliver Cromwell, who, being
moved by the words of one of the most eloquent of
Jews, as well as by his own far-sighted wisdom,
accorded to the Jews complete toleration. In conse-
quence thereof, many Jews began again to settle in
England, almost all of them belonging to the Spanish
and Portuguese, and many of them belonging to
families driven from Spain, Portugal and Italy, who,
at a time when the greater part of Europe was veiled
in darkness, had made their names famous in politics,
science and literature, so that the Spanish and Portu-
guese Congregation must in truth be admitted to be
more aristocratic in its character than the congrega-
tion which was once its rival, but which is now inti-
mately bound up and connected with it. On the
other hand, it cannot be denied that during the last
eighty years the German Congregation has rapidly
advanced. (Hear, hear.) Its strenuous efforts to
diffuse education have proved eminently successful,
and there are many members of its community who
have made themselves names that will not be for-
gotten. (Cheers.) Still, even the weight of these
men, and they are many — some of whom have been
extremely distinguished — are, I think, counterbalanced
by that man whose centenary we have been celebrat-
27
ing to-day, and to whom for one moment I wish to
draw your attention. (Cheers.) We have seen how
from all corners of the globe addresses are pouring in
to congratulate Sir Moses Montefiore upon the happy
completion of the hundreth year of his life ; and all the
newspapers, and all the public men of the country,
and I might almost say of the world, are cordially
unanimous in eulogy of him. (Cheers.) Whence
arises this unprecedented unanimity of applause, this-
wonderful consensus of approval of the conduct and
life of a public man ? One reason is because the
works by which Sir Moses Montefiore has made him-
self famous are not such as to excite the envy or
jealousy of other men. (Cheers.) For they are not
the ordinary sources of wealth and influence ; they
are good and noble works, which rarely excite any
evil or selfish feelings. But there remains another
question : How is it the world has not yet got tired of
this oft-repeated applause, of this ever-recurring
approval ? For we know that Athens got wearied of
hearing so often even of the justice of Aristides.
But I believe the reason is that Sir Moses Montefiore
is a many-sided man. Feeling the most lively sym-
pathy with men of all nationalities, creeds and races ;
fervently religious, but not ascetic ; shrewdly wise
but also nobly generous, he is not praised fcr one
quality only, nor is he admired for one characteristic
alone (cheers) ; and this seems to me to be the
reason why the world is never tired of him. (Cheers.)
The many members of the Spanish and Portuguese
28
Congregation whose synagogue is the oldest existing
synagogue, I believe, in England, the building in
which Sir Moses Montefiore spent so many solemn,
and I venture to say, to him so many happy moments
of his life ; that congregation may well be proud of
its history and its traditions, and I call upon you all
to respond cordially to the toast I have now the
honour of proposing, and to wish prosperity to the
Spanish and Portuguese Congregation of British Jews,
and that their future may prove worthy of the past.
(Cheers.)
The toast was acknowledged by Mr. H .GUEDALLA,
the President of the Congregation.
Mr. SEBAG proposed the " Congregations of the
United Kingdom," to which Mr. LIONEL COHEN, one
of the Vice- Presidents of the United Synagogue, and
Mr. PHILIP MAGNUS, one of the Wardens of the
Berkeley Street Synagogue, responded.
Mr. GABRIEL LINDO then proposed the " Health of
the Chairman," which was acknowledged by Mr. SEBAG
who proposed " The Guests," coupling with the toast
the names of Sir Edward Watkin, M.P., and Mr.
Sheriff Phillips.
In acknowledging the toast, Sir EDWARD WATKIN
expressed the deep pleasure he felt at having ex-
perienced the extreme gratification of joining in the
celebration of the centenary of the great and good man,
Sir Moses Montefiore. He said that never would he
forget the historical scene when Lord Beaconsfield was
welcomed from Berlin, and was embraced by the
venerable baronet. He saw well that nothing so deeply
29
moved Lord Beaconsfield as that embrace, and the
tears rolled down his cheeks as he acknowledged Sir
Moses's greeting. Another memorable scene which
would also never fade from his memory was that in
which he took part last year at East Cliff Lodge.
Mr. Sheriff PHILLIPS also responded.
Mr. ARTHUR COHEN, Q.C., M.P., proposed the toast
of " Literature," coupling with it the name of Mr.
Israel Davis. He observed that while all Jews desired
to lead honourable lives and emulate the glorious ex-
ample of Sir Moses, it was desirable that those who
wrote about the Jews should be well-informed and
judicious. They did not know who was the author
of the admirable articles in the Times, but Mr. Israel
Davis, whom he was glad to claim both as his friend
and pupil, had written much.and well on the subject
of the literature and history of the modern Jews,
(Cheers).
Mr. ISRAEL DAVIS, in responding, deprecated
guesses, which were usually entirely erroneous, as to
the authorship of anonymous writings. He bad put
his name to a biography of Sir Moses, reprinted from
the Times at the Jewish Chronicle office, and by that
alone he was prepared to stand or fall in their estima-
tion. (Applause). He thanked Mr. Cohen and that
assembly for their kindly verdict. He had had the
great advantage and pleasure to be Mr. Cohen's pupil,
as that gentleman had said, and he trusted that while
his accomplished teacher praised him for literature, he
was not disappointed with him as a student of law.
(" Certainly not," from Mr. Cohen).
30
EAST CLIFF LODGE, RAMSGATE.
(From " Jewish Chronicle" etc.)
Last week already commenced at East Cliff
Lodge the receipt of addresses, letters and telegrams
of congratulation. Among the earliest telegrams to
arrive was the following gracious message sent by
Her Majesty the Queen, on Friday, from Balmoral : —
" I wish to renew my sincere congratulations to you
on this day, which marks your completion of a
century of loyalty and philanthrophy." Sir Moses
was deeply touched at this kind message from his
beloved Sovereign, to whom he has constantly
referred in terms of affection.
During Monday a constant stream of visitors
called at East Cliff Lodge ; but as it was understood
that Sir Moses could not bear the fatigue of receiving
many visitors, the callers generally were content with
leaving their cards. Many of them brought with
them handsome bouquets, which almost filled the
drawing-room. As it was naturally impossible for
Sir Moses to participate in the special service at the
Ramsgate Synagogue, it was arranged that the Rev.
Dr. Hermann Adler should proceed to the residence
of Sir Moses, and in his presence read the special
prayers. This simple, yet touching, ceremony was
held in the venerable baronet's bedroom, in the pre-
31
sence of a few privileged persons, among whom were
the Countess of Rosebery, Mr. Arthur Cohen, M.P.,
Miss Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. H. Guedalla, Mr. Joseph
Sebag, Mr. Lionel L. Cohan, and Mr. A. M. Sebag.
When Dr. Adler approached him, Sir Moses insisted
on standing up, an exertion which was considerably
lightened by the loving support he received from his
nephew and niece, Mr. Joseph Sebag and Mrs.
Guedalla. Though his head was somewhat bent, Sir
Moses was yet the tallest and most commanding
figure in the room. He remained standing during
the whole time that Dr. Hermann Adler recited the
Chief Rabbi's prayer, first hi Hebrew, and afterwards,
at Sir Moses' special request, in English. At the
mention of the Queen, Sir Moses said, " God bless
her ! " and on hearing the reference to his lamented
wife, he ejaculated, " Very true ; very true ! " At
the close of the brief ceremony, Sir Moses still stand-
ing, addressed a few words to those by whom he was
surrounded In a strong voice, he said: — " I cannot
express the thousandth, nor the ten-thousandth part
of what I feel to-day, when, by the blessing of the
Almighty, I have arrived at so full an age. I thank
Him for His merciful providence, and I thank all my
friends for their great kindness." The innate venera-
tion of Sir Moses was, perhaps, never more shown
than when Dr. Adler said that he was charged by his
father to convey to Sir Moses his blessing. Turning
to Dr. Adler, Sir Moses said: " What a privilege and
happiness it is for you that your father, my excellent
32
friend, the Chief Rabbi, is still with you. Walk in
his footsteps." Sir Moses charged Dr. Hermann
Adler to convey a blessing in return to his venerable
father. Sir Moses then pointed out that they were
all bound by the Covenant made with God on Sinai
by the Jews of that time and all time to come. " We
are all bound by this Covenant," said Sir Moses, as he
sank exhausted, but still in excellent spirits, on his
sofa.
Dr. Adler on his visit to East Cliff Lodge, handed
in addresses from Berlin, Oppern (Prussia), Kimber-
ley, Pietermaritzburg, and several towns in Poland.
An interesting scene was witnessed on Tuesday.
Mr. J. Sebag entertained to luncheon, on behalf of Sir
Moses Montefiore, a number of guests who drank the
venerable baronets 's health with great cordiality.
Shortly afterwards, the visitors were invited to repair to
Sir Moses's bedroom, where the address of theRamsgate
Corporation was to be presented. Notwithstanding
all entreaties, Sir Moses, who looked remarkably well,
and was clothed in a purple dressing-gown, insisted
on standing whilst the following address was being
impressively read by the Vicar of Ramsgate, the Rev.
C. E. Shirley Woolmer :— " To Sir Moses Montefiore,
Bart., F.R.S. Venerable Sir, — We thank God, who
has spared you to complete your century of years,
and we desire to offer you to-day our warmest and
most sincere congratulations, in the name of the
Mayor, Corporation, burgesses and inhabitants of
Ramsgate and its vicinity. Last year on your birth-
33
tlay, we presented you with a brief memoir of those
good deeds, in the performance of which it pleased
God to make you His instrument during your long
and busy life. Now that the day of more active work
is past we would remind you, in the words of England's
greatest epic poet, ' They also serve who only stand
and wait/ May you thus wait and serve, honoured,
respected, and beloved by your fellow-men till the
King shall say, 'Come up hither/ Accept the tribute
•of our reverent affection, which is offered to-day by all
ages and ranks, and by men of all religions and
countries,"
At the words " the King," Sir Moses reverently
bowed his head. Still standing, he replied : " My
kind friends, it would indeed be a blessing to me if I
had the strength to utter the words which are burn-
ing in my heart. I am. thankful it has pleased the
Almighty in His great mercy and bounty to me to
allow me to attain this great age. Bless you, my dear
old Ramsgate! Every boy and girl in the town is dear
to me! We are all trying to enter the gate of heaven.
Is that not our object in this world? Bless you all ! "
Manifestly exhausted, the centenarian sank back
upon the s«fa. Mr. Sebag thereupon presented to Sir
Moses Mr. John Kennett, the first Mayor of Rams-
gate, whom the venerable baronet invested with the
•chain of office. Addressing his worship, Sir Moses
said : " You are the bearer of an honoured name.
May Almighty God give you and your children
happiness. May He, ia His mercy, protect you."
34
Every person in the room was then presented to
Sir Moses, who warmly grasped his visitors by the
hand, and had a cordial greeting for each. Sir Moses
constantly observed, '' I am deeply honoured to-day.''
Being informed that a representative of this journal
was in the room, Sir Moses said : " You don't know
what a great power the ' Jewish Chronicle ' is in our
community."1 Among those who were present at this
interesting levee were Mr. Joseph Sebag and Mrs. H.
Guedalla, who supported Sir Moses, Mr. Arthur
Cohen, Q.C., M.P., Mrs. J. Sebag, Mr. H. Guedalla,
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Montefiore Sebag, Miss Monte-
fiore, Mr. Jacob Montefiore, Mr, Henry L. Cohen.
Mr. Marcus N. Adler, Dr. and Mrs. Woodman, Mr.
and Mrs. Isidore Spielmann, Dr. and Mrs, Loewe, the
Rev. Emanuel Myers, the Town Clerk of RamsgateT
Mr. J. B. Hodgson, Herr Hildesheimer (Odessa), M.
Nissim Behar (Jerusalem) and others. M. Behar, the
head master of the " Lionel de Rothschild " School in
the Holy City, journeyed specially to England to pre-
sent Sir Moses with a tall Hanucah candelabra,
manufactured from olive wood. This candelabra wa&
made in the workshops of the school by some of the
young pupils who are being trained as turners, and
is a capital piece of workmanship. Sir Moses was
intensely gratified at this gift from a city he loves so-
well, and ejaculated, "God bless Jerusalem! God
bles» Jerusalem ! " Herr Hildersheimer, who was
accompanied to this country by Dr. Pinsker, was the
bearer of an address of congratulation from the Jewish
35
community in Odessa. He was also entrusted with
the presentation of addresses from the Adass Israel
Synagogue in Berlin, of which his reverend father,
Dr. Hildersheimer, is Rabbi, and from the society for
the erection of almshouses and houses for pilgrims in
Jerusalem. This society has issued an appeal for
funds to erect a Montefiore House on its property in
Jerusalem, as a residence either for a few Hebrew
students, or for widows and orphans and learned men.
In the address from the Adass Israel Synagogue hi
Berlin, it was stated, that in order that the present
congregation and their descendants after them might
ever have before their minds the splendid example
Sir Moses Montefiore had set to the civilised world,
the Synagogue had been adorned with a marble tablet r
on which a suitable inscription bearing on the work
and character of Sir Moses had been engraved. Later
on M. de Soria was presented to Sir Moses, and by
his desire repeated the san TTQ he had sung at the
Bevis Marks Synagogue.
Up to Wednesday night, 900 telegrams and 1,500
addresses and letters had been received, many from
remote parts of the world, and some from almost un-
known towns. The Lord Chancellor sent, by the
hand of Lady Kosebery, a letter, in which he expressed
his congratulations to Sir Moses, observing that while
it was extremely hazardous to wish any man to live
100 years, yet when it pleased God to endow him
with gifts which had done so much good to humanity,
and to leave him in possession of all his energies and
36
all his intellectual power, as in this remarkable instance,
it justified the writer in wishing that Sir Moses' life
might be spared for many years more to be a bright
example to his community and to the world at large.
Sir Moses was much pleased with his lordship's letter-
A few of the telegrams and addresses were remark-
able for their quaintness. We give two typical
instances of opposite character. Mr. N. L. D. Zimmer
sent a long letter in Hebrew, which contained innu-
merable quotations from the Bible, all commencing
with the letter p (100). A telegram read : " Moses
Montefiore Moore, one year old, sends congratulations
and best wishes for many happy returns of the day to
Sir Moses Montefiore, one hundred years old. May
God bless us."
Of the addaesses the most magnificent were un-
doubtedly those from the Order " Kesher Shel Barzel,"
in the United States, and the Jewish community in
Cologne. Both documents were splendidly illumi-
nated, the former of very large size, being bound in
rich crimson velvet, with steel bands ; and the latter
in handsome blue velvet. The veneration in which
Sir Moses is held in Roman Catholic circles was
evidenced by the eloquent addresses sent to Sir Moses
on the part of the Catholic High School, in Breslau,
and the Catholic Benevolent Institution in Wheeling,
Va. (U.S.A.)
The Mayor's chain and badge, which were pre-
sented to him by Sir Moses Montefiore, was manu-
factured by Mr. S. J. Phillips, of New Bond Street.
London. The insignia are of massive gold and
enamel of an artistic and elegant design. The chain
to which the badge is suspended by a ship's block
consists of a series of interlaced Persian ornaments,
resting on each of which in relief is the Hebrew letter
D, the first initial of Sir Moses Montefiore's name. It
was greatly admired by all.
" Life," in the course of an account of the pro-
ceedings at East Cliff Lodge last Tuesday, says : —
" Sir Moses Montefiore's chair was surrounded by his
family and friends, including the genial Dr. Loewe,
who has shared so largely in all the labours of the
great Hebrew philanthropies. Sir Moses shook every
one of his guests by the hand. Mrs. Lucien Wolf,
the wife of the author of the " Biography of Sir Moses
Montefiore," jus published by Mr. Murray, was intro-
duced by Mr. Guedalla, the nephew of Sir Moses, and
the lady presented a copy of her husband's book,,
which the old gentleman received very graciously.
' Let me give it to the secretary,' said somebody at
the elbow of Sir Moses, when the book was put into
the old baronet's hand. ' No, no, no,' replied Sir
Moses, peremptorily, * let me keep it — let me keep it,*
and he placed it close beside him. The telegraphic
message of congratulation from the Queen which was
received at East Cliff Lodge Sir Moses Montefiore
also refused to part with. He would not permit it
to be taken out of his sight.
38
THE GREAT REJOICING IN JERUSALEM
ON
PC J£jf fi
OCTOBER 26TH, 27iH, '
(From " Shaare Zio?i," Jerusalem Weekly Newspaper.)
" Sing, 0 barren, thou that didst not bear ; break forth into
singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child :
for more are the children of the desolate than the children
of the married wife, saith the Lord." — (Isaiah liv. 1.)
What is the reason of this noise, and of the city
being in such an uproar ? Wherefore do the people
rush madly along in the streets ? Why are the men
of Jerusalem on this day clothed in their best gar-
ments, and why are they running to and fro ? Every
face is rosy, and every heart is rejoicing. What is
this sound of the trumpets I hear, as on a grand day
of a national joy? The poor man forgets his poverty
and the afflicted his grie£ What are all these prepa-
rations on this particular day ? asked one of another ,.
whilst the voice of gladness was heard from all corners
of Jerusalem. A grand feast is to take place to-
night, viz., the Festival of Sir Moses Montefiore's
Hundredth Birthday. His 100 years are engraved on
a hundred pages in the book of Jewish history, for
" before he came forth out of his mother's womb, God
39
sanctified him to be the deliverer, who contendeth,
and helpeth them out of the hands of their oppre>sors."
To myriads of thousands of Israel he was a defender"
and a protector with fatherly love. The pious Sir*
Moses did not care for stones of infliction and crags of
stumbling, when he went to " deliver his brethivn from
the fowler's snare," or from their calamities. Come,
my brother, " I would lead thee, I would bring thee
into a wonderful view, an altitude in which people
are clothed in holy attire." How pleasant and lively
were all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, particularly the
grand Rabbis, on this day. None could deny that
" the men of Jerusalem singularly knew how to vene^
rate the name of the righteous Sir Moses."
The College "House of Guedalla" (the students
in it are always the first in religious actions), was
founded by the late generous lover of Zion, Rabbi
Judah Guedalla, of London. At present it is under
the supervision of his son, Mr. H. Guedalla. The
principal of the " College " is a man of great intellect,
Rabbi Jacob Eliashar (may God preserve him and
bestow on him His blessings). On Sunday morning
(the 26th October) all the people who continually
study the holy law, assembled in the aforesaid College
with their Chief Rabbi, Elishar, to complete the
Treatise " Sota " (a Talmudical Treatise). At three
o'clock p.m. on the same day all the Rabbis with the
head of them, the Grand Rabbi (Haham Bashi) of
Jerusalem, were invited to the religious feast which
was prepared for them in the house of Rabbi Elishar,
in honour of Sir Moses' birthday, at the expense of
Mr. H. GueJalla. As soon as the people gathered
together, they said the Afternoon Service, the reader
t)f which was the Principal, who is gifted with extra-
ordinary sweetness of voice. At the end of the
Prayer, he (Rabbi Eliashar) said Kadish for the repose
of the soul of the righteous Lady Judith Montefiore,
•of blessed memory, and for the repose of the soul of
the founder of this Institution, Judah Guedalla, of
blessed memory. When the prayer was over, the
people were requested to take their places round the
table. Their glasses were filled, and every one of
the assembly drank again and again, the health of the
righteous Sir Moses and the health of Mr. H.
Guedalla. The same blessing was repeated between
the different dishes which were served at this banquet.
Rabbi Elishar with his choir (a band of the pupils of the
College " Doresh Zion," under the superintendence of
Rabbi Isaac, Prag-Aplatkah,) sang during the meal a
new hymn of his composition, which caused the
audience to show much devotion, on account of the
style and character of the song and singing. Before
grace, the same Rabbi, blessed as he is with speech
diffusing knowledge, stood up and preached an
eloquent sermon. He pointed out the work, charities,
kindness, and philanthrophy Sir Moses displayed " in
the sight of all Israel." The Rabbi also mentioned
the piety of Judith, all " the good she did to the
Patriarch, during the days of her life," and that the
illustrious Sir Moses followed her lessons of kindness
41
andmercy. Rabbi Eliasbar selected part of Psalna
21st for the prayer of this grand day.
1 Jehovah, in thy strength shall the King rejoice,
How greatly shall he exult in thy salvation !
2 Thou hast given him the desire of his heart,
And the request of his lips thou hast not withholden.
3 Truly thou preventest him with transcendant blessings.
Thou settest upon his head a crown of purest gold.
4 Immortality he asked of thee ;
Thou has given him a length of days
For ever and ever.
5 Great is his glory through thy salvation ;
Honour and majesty thou hast laid upon him.
6 For thou hast appointed him blessings for ever ;
Thou hast gladdened him with joy, which is in thine own
presence.
7 Truly the King relieth on Jehovah,
And through the mercy of the Highest, he shall not slide.
He then said the prayer for Her Most Gracious
Majesty, Queen Victoria, His Royal Highness Albert,
Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family of Eng-
land, and also for the Patriarch, Sir Moses ; a prayer
for Mr. H. Guedalla and his wife Jemima, for Mr.
Samuel Montagu, for Mr. Sebag, Arthur Cohen, Dr.
Loewe, Henry Harris, and for all kind people in
London. These prayers were solemnly offered up to
the Most High before grace was said. The glasses
were filled again and again, in repetition, with high
42
spirits. After grace the Rabbis drank once more tne
venerable Sir Moses and Mr. and Mrs. Guedalla, and
conferred on them their special blessing amidst great
joy and praises. After all this, the party went on the
roof of the College to say the Evening Prayers, and
to say the blessing on seeing the new moon. At the
completion of this, the party mentioned again Sir
Moses and Mr. Guedalla (the manager of the College,
whose generosity is to him a crown of glory,) to
bestow on them a fresh benediction, whilst Rabbi
Eliashar said the prayer for the repose of the soul
of Lady Montefiore, for the soul of Judah Guedalla,
The house was splendidly illuminated. The pupils of
the College, Doresh Zion, sung again the song of praisey
whilst the picture of the righteous Sir Moses was
placed close to the portrait of Mr. Guedalla (may God
preserve him) in order that the " distinguished among
ten thousands be a memorial between our eyes."
Among the assembly was Rabbi Levi Cohen Levantin
who praised and blessed Sir Moses and Mr. Guedalla,
and distributed 160fr. to different charities. Upon
the roof of the College was placed a high pillar with
a large lantern, upon which was placed a pattern of
the English Crown, and through which large letters
were transparent. Rabbi Eliasharjwith other Hahamim
(wise men) were selected to light the candles. As
the lantern was skilfully prepared, all the Jewish
streets were beautifully illuminated by it ; this caused
much joy, and the people became lively and danced.
At this moment Rabbi Eliashar sent a telegram to
43
Ramsgate to inquire about the health of Sir Moses,
in his own name, and the names of all the Rabbis of
Jerusalem.
On the morning of 8th Hesvon (the 27th October,
5645,) the gentlemen of " College Guedalla " and their
Principal, Rabbi Eliashar, assembled in the rooms
of the College. Brandy, sweetmeats and other
delicacies were served up. As soon as the morning
learning was completed, the Rabbi and all the men of
the College stood up with glasses of wine in their
hands to drink Sir Moses' health, amidst great rejoic-
ing, thanksgiving and prayers " to God for He is
good," and who will prolong the venerable baronet's
days for many many years to come, and make their
eyes see the Mount Zion rebuilt, and the sanctuary
re-established in its former splendour.
In the afternoon on the same day all the different
congregations of the Sphardim (Spanish and Portu-
guese Jews) gathered together in the Synagogue,
called the sacred place of Rabon Johanon ben Zacai.
The holy edifice was crammed. The learned men
finished the whole of the Talmud. Rabbi Pinizel
rose and delivered an excellent discourse. There
was much learning (the praise and glory of Sir Moses
and others) in this lecture ; he (the Chief Rabbi of
Jerusalem) supplicated God (very devoutly) for Sir
Moses' welfare. The choir sung the hymn composed
by Rabbi Elishar ; the chief reader offered up the
usual prayer for his Majesty the Sultan, Abdul Hamid,
Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, and the Prince of
44
Wales, for Sir Moses, for the authorities of Sir Moses"
Memorial Fund, for Rev. Dr. Loewe, and for Mr.
Guedalla and his consort (may their light shine for
ever). The choir then repeated the former song in
addition, with other hymns. A distribution was
made of the sugar cakes to every one present. The
people departed joyfully in hope to see soon the
holy and splendid city rebuilt.